Now that the IFA is in turmoil with no elected president or general secretary, it would be very easy to say the organisation is finished.

However, the need for a strong farming organisation and voice is as urgent as ever. Over the years, the IFA has played a leading role in representing farming interests and has done so with a great degree of success in often difficult circumstances. While there is an understandable call to boycott payments to the IFA, I for one will continue to support it and I would urge fellow members to do likewise.

Notwithstanding their pay and remuneration levels, both the president and general secretary gave outstanding and unstinting service to the organisation and farming in general .

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